South Warrnambool export Louis Herbert re-signs with North Ballarat Roosters in VFL

BIG SIGNING: Former South Warrnambool player Louis Herbert pictured on debut for Gold Coast Suns in 2014. Picture: Getty Images

Former Gold Coast Suns player Louis Herbert has signed a new two-year deal with North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL.

Herbert managed just the one appearance in his first season with the Roosters this year – tearing a hamstring in their first round win over Coburg.

He then suffered a right shoulder injury, which required season-ending surgery, mid-year when on the brink of returning to the VFL.

Herbert said the Roosters had provided great support in a trying year and he was eager to repay them.

The 22-year-old said his rehabilitation from the June surgery was progressing well and he was on target to begin a restricted pre-season training program next month.

He said he was hopeful of beginning full contact work in the new year.

Roosters coach Marc Greig, who is preparing to enter his second season at the helm, said Herbert’s run of injuries had been disappointing for all and he was looking forward to seeing him in action at Eureka Stadium.

Greig said with Herbert still in his formative years as a footballer the main focus at the moment was to get his body right and allow him to develop.

Herbert is originally from South Warrnambool and was recruited by Gold Coast via the North Ballarat Rebels in the 2013 rookie draft.

He made his AFL debut in round 18, 2014 and played three games in two seasons before being delisted at the end of 2015.

North Ballarat secured him as a marquee recruit at the end of last year.